Indra's New Chief Bets on AI Integration Over Scale in Defense Sector
Ángel Simón, the newly appointed executive president of Spanish defense contractor Indra, says the future of the sector depends on mastering artificial intelligence and combining technical capabilities rather than pursuing growth through size alone.
In his first interview since taking office two months ago, Simón placed AI at the center of defense industry strategy and defended Indra's ability to handle emerging cybersecurity threats. He said the company is "fully prepared" to respond to challenges like those posed by advanced AI models, pointing to its existing expertise in cybersecurity as a core differentiator.
Simón directly linked sector leadership to AI mastery. Innovation often comes from "agile managers" rather than large bureaucratic structures, he said. "The future is not so much about size as about the ability to integrate skills."
Governance Stabilized, New Strategy Coming
Simón described governance as "clearly stabilized" after a turbulent period. The board unanimously approved the appointment of Josep Maria Recasens, formerly of Renault, as the new CEO, effective June 17. The board will have 14 members.
A new strategic plan will launch after the summer. Simón said Indra should become "the integrator of basic technological solutions" in defense and serve as "the Spanish backbone and driver of defense, but with a European vision and also beyond Europe."
European Defense Integration as Strategic Priority
Simón emphasized Europe's role in global defense. The continent spends 800 billion euros annually on defense-second only to the United States-but that capacity remains fragmented across member states.
"If we had it aggregated, we would truly be a power in this field," he said. He called on governments and institutions to move toward a common European defense policy, not just companies.
Indra will grow through alliances and targeted acquisitions, but Simón was explicit: "What we will not do is buy to gain size, because what is important is the sum of capabilities."
Delivery on Contracts and Stock Performance
Simón detailed progress on major programs. The Dragón 8x8 vehicle program is "stabilized," with 70 units delivered and 100 expected by year-end. He said the company will "fulfill our commitments."
Indra captured 13.8 billion euros of Spain's 24.8 billion euros in defense modernization spending last year. The company's stock has climbed from 14-15 euros to above 50, with analyst consensus pointing to 60 euros or higher.
In air traffic management, Indra holds the second global position and aims for first place.
Strategic Autonomy Without Isolation
On European strategic autonomy, Simón said the continent must "be more effective, gain synergies, and move towards strategic autonomy." But that doesn't mean building everything from scratch in Europe. Alliances with the United States and other partners remain necessary, he said.
Regarding the Bromo project-which will merge space operations of Leonardo, Airbus, and Thales-Simón said there's no confrontation. "Everyone has their own space," he said. "We are not going to get into battles because we do not want to lose sight of our essential objective."
On the failed acquisition of Escribano Mechanical & Engineering, Simón said the company's owners withdrew from negotiations. Indra will make agreements with EM&E and other suppliers as needed, but won't acquire for acquisition's sake.
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